Grand parades marked special dates in city's history

Thursday, January 15, 2004

By CHARLES F. CUMMINGS

FOR THE STAR-LEDGER

An unusual and little-known Newark anniversary was celebrated Sept. 5, 1854, commemorating the First Meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. It was sponsored by Newark Lodge No. 4 American Protestant Association and took the form of a giant parade that included more than 25 other chapters from outside the city.

That morning, visiting clubs began arriving at the town's clubs, and everyone was in a jovial mood. At 11:30, more than 3,000 men in regalia of red scarf and silver stars, emblematic of the Union, and eagles and rosettes, formed a procession with banners decorated with patriotic symbols and 10 bands playing to add zest to the occasion.

A carnival atmosphere prevailed along Ferry to Union, Mulberry, Kinney and Washington streets and down Market to the Four Corners. Refreshments were served, and the parade again proceeded south, but trouble broke out when the marchers came to William Street. A barrage of stones met the paraders, and a riot broke out in front of the German Catholic Church.

Unbridled confusion erupted as the troops broke open the church. Windows were smashed, pews were ripped up and the organ was destroyed. leaving the building in ruins. Apparently, the anti-Catholic American (Know-Nothing) Party fomented the outbreak. As a result, a house of worship was vandalized, one celebrant died and others were badly injured.

The police on the scene were unable to control the crowds. Somehow, the marchers quickly regrouped and marched off to the station to return home.

1866

The 200th anniversary of the settlement of Newark was celebrated May 17, 1866, under the combined auspices of the New Jersey Historical Society and the city of Newark. During a meeting at the society, it was decided in May of the previous year to hold a celebration under the direction of W.A. Whitehead. On Jan. 18, 1866, final arrangements were made.

William B. Kinney was chosen to deliver the oration, and William Whitehead was asked to prepare a historical memoir of the events connected with the first settlement. Thomas Ward of New York, formerly of Newark, was invited to read a poem, and Samuel H. Conger was asked to compile biographical and genealogical notes on the original settlers.

On April 7, city authorities adopted a resolution directing that a subcommittee be established to work with the society. On May 9, Mayor Thomas B. Peddie issued "The Bicentennial Celebration Proclamation," directing the city to work with the New Jersey Historical Society.

Peddie recommended closing down business activity on the city's birthday, May 17, so that owners could participate in the city parade. He also requested that all homeowners display the flag in their windows and atop their roofs.

The mayor also called out the Newark City Battery, State Rifle Corps and the First Regiment under the command of Col. Peckwell.

In addition, Gov. Marcus L. Ward was named to be an honorary parade member. The fire department was invited to lead the New York Brass Band and Sinderhaft's Brass Band was asked to lead the civic contingent.

New York historian George Bancroft, along with members of historical agencies from New York and Connecticut, also participated in the march.

The fire department was particularly proud of its new steamers, trucks and hook and ladders. According to a news account, all six steamers were "polished and brightened up in magnificent style, and the old hand- engine companies, recently disbanded, appeared, along with the wagons of several manufacturing establishments gaily adorned with flying colors."

At 9:30 a.m. May 17, the cavalry appeared in Centre Street and the artillery in Park Place began its march as the fire department formed around Military Park. The marchers passed the old Park House, a downtown hotel, on its way to City Hall. Carriages were set aside for the city's oldest inhabitants.

Participants in the parade marched up Broad to Washington, down Washington to Market, down Market to Mulberry, down Mulberry to Chestnut, Chestnut to Broad, and up Broad to Rector Street, for dismissal at Park Place.

As in previous years, the "historical exercises" were held at First Church with representatives of the historical community seated facing the central platform with a large map of the town as it was first laid out, with colors and figures designating the original owners and their property lots. Today this map survives in printed form as a memorial to Newark's first citizens.

1872

An interesting celebration held only a few years after the close of the Civil War was the Industrial Exhibition of 1872. It was maybe the first of its kind in the United States and preceded the great Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876.

The Newark show opened in Washington Street in the old skating arena between Court and William streets, and was sponsored by M. Holbrook, Marcus L. Ward and Civil War Gen. Theodore Runyon. The purpose was to display some of the amazing products of the city. More than 130,000 attended from the Eastern states, and from several foreign countries as well.

Famous visitors included President Ulysses S. Grant, who at that time was running for a second term, and his opponent, famed journalist Horace Greeley. The exhibition lasted 52 days and was immediately successful, but after three unsuccessful succeeding years it was abandoned.

One observer noted, "It made not only Newarkers, but Jerseymen generally, proud of our towns on Passayak, and throughout the Union and even in foreign countries it elevated and increased and extended to a degree impossible to measure the fame and reputation of Newark as a great manufacturing centre." 1886A little-known anniversary was Newark's Semi-Centennial Celebration recommended on Jan. 5, 1886, by Mayor Joseph E. Haynes without the support of the Newark Common Council. This observation was held on the anniversary of the creation of the city of Newark out of old township.

According to the mayor, this was an important celebration because it complemented Newark's great manufacturing history, which had largely developed during its growth as a city.

The event began at sunrise April 16 with a salute of cannons and the sounding of the alarm bell located in the Centre Market. Then 38 strokes, one for each American state rang out over the city.

At noon the bells of First and Third Presbyterian, St. John's and St. Michael's churches and St. Patrick's Cathedral "rang out sweet music." All city offices were closed at 2 as a procession down Broad Street, which included 160 police under Chief Tuite, began. Following were Voss's Band, Fire Department Streamers 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Hook and Ladder Companies 1 and 2, led by a Capt. Axt.

The parade was reviewed from the steps of old City Hall by officials from Newark and surrounding towns. Because of the event's success, Haynes became known as "Newark's Semi-Centennial Mayor."